With a tone that's thoughtful and fun, VanBalen tells the story of Askel and Krog, two vikings with a passion for making juice. When they read that juicing the shells of yellow spotted snails will make them stronger, they confront an ethical dilemma. With their friend Thora, the vikings consider questions like: Who do the yellow spotted snail shells belong to? How would it feel to be someone else's food?

While the book's message is serious, the riotous, colorful multimedia illustrations and text are a joy. Visit VanBalen's website for a peek at her work. Kids will love the free coloring pages and opportunities to submit their own artwork and recipes at VanBalen's blog. To order the book, visit VanBalen's store, where you'll find buttons, magnets, and handmade, limited edition sewn and stuffed characters from the story.

One MittenMachen reader can win a copy of Garlic-Onion-Beet-Spinach-Mango-Carrot-Grapefruit Juice, along with some buttons featuring Thora and two of VanBalen's adorable food drawings (perfect for your kiddo's backpack). What a great back-to-school gift for the veggie-loving child in your life! To enter, leave a comment telling me your favorite type of juice (mine's cranberry); I'll randomly select a winner on Friday, August 20th. Good luck!